The following are facts gathered throughout our research concerning the effects of aging on sexuality. All the information presented on this page is well researched and supported by empirical evidence. However, it should be noted that there are differences in the aging process so what is true for one person may be different for another. We hope that this information will be educational and enlightening. Thank you again for your time and participation in our survey.

Summary of some age related physical changes in genital function for men and women:

Normal changes in aging women-

• Circulating sex hormones decrease.
• Vaginal lubrication decreases.
• Fewer orgasmic contractions.
• Rapid "decrescendo" or decrease in arousal after orgasm.

• Erection is slower, less full; disappears quickly after orgasm; has a longer refractory period (the time needed before further sexual stimulation is possible) following orgasm.
• Loss of inevitability stage (feeling of necessity to have an orgasm just prior to climax) with orgasm.
• Less volume of sperm.
• Seepage (semen "leaking" out rather than being ejaculated) or retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation back into bladder rather than out through penis).
  (Thienhaus, 1988)

Despite these physical changes, research shows that other factors may have a greater impact on sexual expression in later life:

• Alcohol use (if in excess).
• Certain prescription drugs (see chart below).
• Chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, incontinence, diabetes, and emphysema.
• Lack of availability of a partner.
• Depression.
• Excessive obesity.
• Certain surgeries including but not limited to: mastectomy, ostomy (colon operation), prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostate gland), hysterectomy, angioplasty, or heart surgery.
• Attitudes towards and acceptance of alternative sexual activities when intercourse becomes impossible.
• Personal reactions to physiological changes.
• Reactions to illness-induced changes.
• Performance anxiety (especially true for aged men who feel that they can no longer perform "up to par").
• Reaction to environment's attitudes (including childrens', nurses', and physicians' attitudes).
  (Thienhaus, 1988)

Partial list of drugs commonly prescribed to older adults that have been implicated in sexual dysfunction:
Antihypertensive agents:

• Thiazide diuretics-blockers
  • Propranol
  • Atenolol
  • Pindolol
• Clonidine
• Guanethidine
• Alpha methyldopa
• Prazosin
• Hydralazine
• Reserpine
• Spironolactone

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Imipramine
• Doxepin
• Amitryptyline
• Major Tranquilizers
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Butyrophenone
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Perpheazine
  • Trifluoperazine
  • Thioridazine
• Monamine oxidase inhibitors
  • Pargyline
  • Phenelzine

• Digoxin
• Cimetidine
• Clofibrate
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Acetazolamide
• Heparin
• Estrogen
• Anorectic agents

Facts EVERYONE should know about aging and sexuality:

1) As one ages, the amount of sexual activity generally decreases, however, the amount of sexual interest and ability remains fairly constant.

2) If one's sexuality is constant throughout life, the biological changes associated with aging are less pronounced and sexuality is usually less affected.

3) Understanding that sexuality is normal and natural in old age is an important step to realizing one's own sexuality and becoming more comfortable with sexuality.

4) There is more to sexuality than just vaginal intercourse. There are many other forms of intimate expression ranging from holding hands, to kissing, to masturbation, to oral sex. Understanding that these options are available and acceptable can enrich sexual expression greatly.

5) Sexual activity is possible and takes place through the 70s and beyond!

6) "Sexual health" can be beneficial to the overall health of an elderly individual.

7) The physical exertion associated with sex is near the equivalent to walking up two flights of stairs. With this in mind, it is easy to understand that sex for the patient of a heart operation would rarely be dangerous. (Consult your physician concerning the risks associated with sex following a major heart surgery.)

8) Sexuality in later life is acceptable and natural.

9) If you have concerns related to health and sexual function (including drug interactions, chronic health problems, or surgical procedures) make a point to discuss these concerns with your physician or seek counseling and education from a therapist.

If you answered yes to question #22 concerning suicide, please see your physician, a counselor, or call one of the these numbers for help:

• Suicide Hotline, Zanesville, OH : 1-800-344-5818
• Suicide Hotline, Oxford, OH: 1-800-523-4143
• Senior Hotline, Franklin County, OH: 614-294-3309

To learn more about aging and the effects it has on sexuality, see:

1) Williams, M.E. (1995). The American Geriatrics Society's Complete Guide to Aging and Mental Health. New York: Random House, Inc.

2) Walz, T. H., & Blum, N. S. (1987). Sexual Health in Later Life. Lexington, Massachusetts: Lexington Books.

3) Breecher, E. M. (1984). Love, Sex, and Aging. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

References:

Hodson, D. S., & Skeen, P. (1994). Sexuality and aging: The hammerlock of myths. The Journal of Applied Gerontology, 13, 219-235.

Kaplan, H. S. (1990). Sex, intimacy, and the aging process. Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 18, 185-205.

Mooradian, A. D. (1991). Geriatric sexuality and chronic diseases. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 7, 113-131.

Thienhaus, O. J. (1988). Practical overview of sexual function and advancing age. Geriatrics, 43, 63-67.